Free ski day set, just in case world ends Dec. 21

BEAR VALLEY - Dear skier: Have you been moping around the house, worried that the end of the Mayan long calendar on Dec. 21 may also mean the end of the world, and thus that you will miss ski season?

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By The Record

recordnet.com

By The Record

Posted Dec. 11, 2012 at 12:01 AM

By The Record
Posted Dec. 11, 2012 at 12:01 AM

» Social News

BEAR VALLEY - Dear skier: Have you been moping around the house, worried that the end of the Mayan long calendar on Dec. 21 may also mean the end of the world, and thus that you will miss ski season?

Well turn that climate-apocalypse frown upside down!

The folks at Bear Valley Mountain ski resort have decided to open for the season a day early, on Dec. 20, specifically to give you one last downhill thrill. And even better, the resort will give away free lift tickets that day to one and all.

"With the world all worked up over the Mayan doomsday catastrophe, we felt we had a duty to invite outdoor enthusiasts to celebrate on Dec. 20," said Rosie Sundell, senior marketing director for Bear Valley Resorts.

It may also help skiers to forget the wretched lack of snow that made last season a bust. This season is off to a better start with plentiful snowfall so far, although warm conditions and rain at high altitudes have melted some of that snow.

The resort as of Monday was reporting a 35-inch base with 84 inches of natural snowfall for the season so far. As temperatures allow, resort staff are also making artificial snow.

The resort plans to operate Kuma, Koala and Cub chairs for the day. Those chairs offer access to a variety of terrain for beginners to experts.

Meanwhile, the resort has planned events for later in the holiday season, but advises that they are subject to change "if world catastrophe occurs" on Dec. 21. Those upcoming events include Santa visiting the slopes on Dec. 24, and live music, a balloon drop and fireworks at the lodge in Bear Valley Village on Dec. 31.